ES2921552T3 - Procedure for producing a composite container - Google Patents

Abstract

[Issue] to provide: a composite container that can be given various functions and features; a method for producing said composite container; a preform; and a composite preform. [Solution] A composite container according to the present invention includes: a container body that is made of a plastic material; and a plastic member disposed on the outer surface of the container body, wherein the container body and the plastic member are integrally inflated by blow molding, and wherein the plastic member includes a layer of color and/or a print layer where a print is. done. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Procedure for producing a composite container

technical field

The present invention relates to a process for producing a composite container.

prior art

Recently, bottles made of plastics have been more commonly used to contain liquid contents such as beverage or food. The liquid contents are contained in such plastic bottles.

Such a plastic bottle for containing liquid contents is produced by inserting a preform into a mold and performing biaxial stretch blow molding on the preform.

In a conventional biaxial stretch blow molding process, a preform containing a single-layer material, a multi-layer material, or a blended material of PET, PP, or the like is used to mold it into the shape of a container. . However, in general, a conventional biaxial stretch blow molding process is used to simply mold a preform into the shape of a container. Thus, to give various functions or characteristics (eg, barrier properties or heat retention properties) to a container, limited procedures are available, a typical example of which is changing the material included in the preform. In particular, it is difficult to give different functions or characteristics to different parts (for example, the trunk part and the bottom part) of a container.

reference list

patent literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Pending Publication No. 2009-241526 Further prior art is disclosed in US2002166833A1, EP2521641A1, WO2014001099A1 and EP1833 540A1, for example where US2002166833A1 discloses a method for producing a container of composite, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a preform made of a plastic material; arranging a plastic member on the outside of the preform to surround the outside of the preform, the plastic member having a colored layer and a printing region provided on a surface of the plastic member, heating the preform and the plastic member by means of a heating apparatus to make a composite preform, in which the plastic member is heated to thermally contract, resulting in close contact of the plastic member with the outside of the preform; and feeding the composite preform, which has been heated by the heating apparatus, into a blow molding mold; and integrally inflating the preform and the plastic member of the composite preform by performing blow molding on the preform and the plastic member of the composite preform in the blow molding mold to make the composite container, wherein the plastic member it is a blow tube, an extruded tube or an inflation molded tube and has a cylindrical stem portion.

The present invention has been designed in view of how to provide for a composite preform to be blow molded on a general blow molding machine.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention is defined by the claimed process.

In the aforementioned aspect, the plastic element has a contracting function relative to the container body.

A composite preform according to the present invention includes:

a preform that is made of a plastic material; Y

a plastic element that is arranged to surround the outside of the preform,

in which the plastic element is brought into close contact with the outside of the preform,

and wherein the plastic element includes a colored layer and a printing layer where an impression is made.

A composite preform includes:

a preform that is made of a plastic material; Y

a plastic element that is arranged to surround the outside of the preform,

in which the plastic element is brought into close contact with the outside of the preform,

and wherein the preform includes a colored layer including a resin material and a colorant.

In the aforementioned aspect, the plastic element preferably has a contracting function with respect to the preform.

A plastic element is:

a plastic element for making a composite container including a preform and the plastic element brought into close contact with the outside of the preform, the composite container is made by bonding the plastic element to surround the outside of the preform and heating the plastic element integrally with the preform,

wherein the plastic element includes a tubular stem portion that covers at least a portion of the stem of the preform,

and wherein the plastic element includes a colored layer and/or a printing layer where an impression is made.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a composite container in accordance with one embodiment hereof.

Figure 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating a composite container according to one embodiment hereof (taken along line II-II in Figure 1).

Figure 3 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a composite container in accordance with one embodiment hereof.

Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a composite preform in accordance with one embodiment hereof.

Figure 5 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a composite container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a composite container having a label in accordance with one embodiment hereof.

Figure 7 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a composite container in accordance with one embodiment hereof.

Figure 8 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a composite container having a label in accordance with one embodiment hereof.

Figure 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a composite preform in accordance with one embodiment hereof.

Figures 10(a) to 10(f) are cross-sectional views of various plastic elements, each of which has an impression made on it.

Figs. 11(a) to 11(d) are schematic diagrams showing an embodiment in which an impression is made on a plastic member.

Figures 12(a) to 12(d) are perspective views illustrating various plastic elements.

Figures 13(a) to 13(f) are schematic diagrams illustrating a method for producing a composite container according to one embodiment.

Figures 14(a) to 14(f) are schematic diagrams illustrating a method for producing a composite container according to one embodiment.

Figures 15(a) to 15(g) are schematic diagrams illustrating a process for producing a composite container according to one embodiment.

Figure 16 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a composite container according to one embodiment.

Figure 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a composite preform according to one embodiment.

Figures 18(a) to 18(f) are schematic diagrams illustrating a process for producing a composite container according to one embodiment.

Figure 19 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a composite container according to one embodiment.

Figure 20 is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating a composite container according to a second embodiment (taken along line XX-XX in Figure 19).

Figure 21 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a composite preform according to one.

Figures 22(a) to 22(d) are perspective views illustrating various inner label elements and various plastic elements.

Figures 23(a) to 23(f) are schematic diagrams illustrating a method for producing a composite container according to one embodiment.

Figures 24(a) to 24(f) are schematic diagrams illustrating a process for producing a composite container according to one embodiment.

Figures 25(a) to 25(g) are schematic diagrams illustrating a process for producing a composite container according to one embodiment.

Figure 26 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a composite container according to one embodiment.

Figure 27 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a variation of a composite preform according to one embodiment.

Figures 28(a) to 28(f) are schematic diagrams illustrating a method for producing a composite container according to one embodiment.

Mode of carrying out the invention

first realization

A first embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figs. 1 to 18 are diagrams illustrating the first embodiment.

(10A Composite Receptacle)

First, an overview of the composite container 10A made using a blow molding process in accordance with the present embodiment is provided with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

The terms "top" and "bottom" as used herein refer to a top and a bottom, respectively, of a vertical composite container 10A (FIG. 1).

As described below, the composite container 10A illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is obtained by integrally inflating a preform 10a and a plastic member 40a of a composite preform 70 through biaxial stretch blow molding performed on the preform. of composite 70, which includes the preform 10a and the plastic element 40a (see Figure 4), using a blow molding mold 50.

Composite container 10A may be in a form as illustrated in Figure 3.

Composite container 10A according to the present invention includes a container body 10, which is made of a plastic material and located on the inside, and a plastic element 40, which is disposed in close contact with the outside of the container body. container 10.

On the one hand, the container body 10 includes a mouth part 11, a neck part 13 arranged below the mouth part 11, a shoulder part 12 arranged below the neck part 13, a trunk part 20 arranged below the shoulder part 12, and a lower part 30 disposed below the trunk part 20.

On the other hand, the plastic member 40 is finely stretched and brought into close contact with the outer surface of the container body 10 so that it does not easily move or rotate with respect to the container body 10.

In one embodiment, a surface protection layer 80 may be provided on the plastic member 40 as illustrated in Figure 5.

In one embodiment, a label 43 may be attached to the container body 10 and/or plastic member 40 as illustrated in Figure 6.

(Body of container 10)

Next, a container body 10 is described in detail. As described above, the container body 10 includes a mouth portion 11, a neck portion 13, a shoulder portion 12, a trunk portion 20, and a bottom portion 30.

The mouth part 11 includes a thread part 14, onto which a cap (not shown) will be screwed, and a flange part 17, which is arranged below the thread part 14. The mouth part 11 can be in a conventionally known way.

Neck portion 13, located between flange portion 17 and shoulder portion 12, has a substantially cylindrical shape that is substantially uniform in diameter. The shoulder part 12, located between the neck part 13 and the trunk part 20, is in a shape whose diameter gradually increases from the side of the neck part 13 towards the side of the trunk part 20.

Stem portion 20 has a cylindrical shape that is substantially uniform in diameter throughout.

However, the stem portion 20 is not limited to such a shape, but may be in a polygonal cylindrical shape such as a square cylindrical or octagonal cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the stem portion 20 may be in a cylindrical shape whose horizontal cross-sections are non-uniform from top to bottom. Although the trunk portion 20 in the present embodiment has a substantially flat surface with no irregularities being formed, this is only an example. For example, irregularities such as panels or grooves may be formed in the trunk portion 20.

The lower part 30 includes a concave part 31 located in a center, and a base part 32 around the concave part 31. It should be noted that the lower part 30 is not limited to a specific shape, but may be in a shape of conventionally known bottom (eg, a petaloid or round bottom shape).

In one embodiment, the container body 10 contains a resin material. In one embodiment, the container body 10 includes a colored layer that contains a resin material and a colorant.

Examples of the resin material contained in the container body 10 include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polycarbonate (PC).

In addition to these resins, a nylon resin such as nylon-6, nylon-11, nylon-12, nylon-6,6, nylon-6,10, nylon-6/12, nylon-6/11, nylon-6/9, nylon-6/6,6, nylon-6/6,6/6,10, polymetaxylylene adipamide (MXD-6), or hexamethylene terephthalamide/hexamethylene isophthalamide copolymers (nylon-6T/6I ).

Among others, it is preferred that the container body 10 contain nylon-6, nylon-6,6, MXD-6, and nylon-6/6,6, which have favorable gas barrier properties.

The container body 10 may contain a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin. A polyvinyl alcohol-based resin is obtained by saponifying a vinyl ester homopolymer or a vinyl ester copolymer and another monomer (for example, a vinyl ester-ethylene copolymer) with an alkaline catalyst or the like. Vinyl acetate is a typical example of a vinyl ester compound, but other fatty acid vinyl esters, such as vinyl propionate or vinyl pivalate, can also be used. Among the polyvinyl alcohol-based resins, an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) is particularly preferable because it provides ease of melt molding and favorable gas barrier properties under high humidity conditions.

The container body 10 may contain an ionomer resin.

The container body 10 may also contain a resin material obtained by mixing any of the aforementioned resins.

Examples of the blended resin material include a blend of a thermoplastic resin and a nylon resin.

With the container body 10 containing a mixed resin material obtained by mixing a thermoplastic resin and a nylon resin, the molding stability of the resin material can be improved, the container body 10 can have higher gas barrier properties. , and the composite container 10A as a whole can have excellent gas barrier properties even in an aspect that the container body is not completely covered by the plastic member 40.

As a colorant, a brown, black, green, white, blue, red or the like colorant can be used.

The colorant may be a pigment or dye, but is preferably a pigment in view of light resistance. With the container body 10 containing a colorant, a colored composite container 10A can be obtained regardless of whether the plastic member 40 does not contain a colorant.

With the composite container 10A colored in its entirety in a predetermined color, visible light can be cut into a desired wavelength band (absorbed or reflected), thus avoiding the problem of denaturing the liquid contents in the composite container. composite 10 ^a caused by visible light.

Furthermore, if the plastic element 40 contains a colorant, the composite container 10A may have various designs, for example, using different colors of colorant between the container body 10 and the plastic element 40, thereby improving visibility.

In addition to the above effects, if a light reflective pigment, such as titanium white, aluminum powder, mica powder, zinc sulfide, zinc oxide, calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, or other white pigment, or If a light-absorbing pigment such as carbon black, ceramic black, animal charcoal, or other colored pigment is contained as a colorant, an effect of further reducing the transmission of a visible light through the plastic post-processing element 40 is provided. blow molding, thus avoiding degradation of the liquid contents filling the composite container 10A. The colorant content is preferably 0.01 to 10 parts by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, and even more preferably 0.2 to 5 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass. mass of resin material contained in a colored layer. The container body 10 may be composed of a single layer, or it may be composed of multiple layers.

In this case, the innermost layer and the outermost layer may be composed of the same main components or different main components.

Specific examples of the layer structure include, in order starting from innermost, PET/MXD-6/PET, PET/PET+MXD-6/PET, and PET/EVOH/PET.

Forming an intermediate layer from a resin material that has gas barrier and light blocking properties, such as MXD6, MXD6 fatty acid salt, polyglycolic acid (PGA), EVOH, or PEN, achieves a multilayer bottle that has gas barrier and light blocking properties.

At least one of these layers may contain a colorant to form a colored layer.

The container body 10 in the trunk portion 20 may be as thin as, for example, without limitation, about 50 pm to 250 pm. The weight of the container body 10 may be, for example, without limitation, from 10 g to 20 g based on a capacity of 500 ml, for example. Decreasing the thickness of the container body 10 as described above can make the container body 10 lighter.

In one embodiment, the container body 10 can be made by preparing a preform 10a (described below) through injection molding of a resin material or a mixture including a resin material and a colorant, and then performing a biaxial stretch blow molding onto the preform 10a.

In the case where the container body 10 is composed of a plurality of layers including a colored layer, the composite container 10 can be produced by performing co-injection molding in a mixture of a resin material and a colorant, together with any resin material.

The container body 10 can also be made by first forming a foamed preform having foamed cells in a diameter of 0.5 to 100 µm by mixing an inert gas (nitrogen gas or argon gas) with a molten thermoplastic resin and then performing injection molding. blown onto the foamed preform. Said container body 10 contains foamed cells, and thus can improve the light blocking properties of the entire container body 10.

Said container body 10 may be comprised of a bottle having a total capacity of, for example, 100 mL to 2,000 mL. Alternatively, the container body 10 may be a large bottle having a total capacity of, for example, 10 L to 60 L.

(Plastic element 40)

Next, Plastic Element 40 is described.

The plastic element 40 can be obtained by performing blow molding on a plastic element 40a. More specifically, the plastic member 40 can be obtained by arranging the plastic member 40a to surround the outside of a preform 10a, bringing the plastic member 40a into close contact with the outside of the preform 10a, and then performing biaxial stretch blow molding. on the plastic element 40a with the preform 10a. The plastic element 40 is not adhered, but attached to the external surface of the container body 10, being closely attached so that it does not move or rotate with respect to the container body 10.

The plastic element 40 is thinly stretched on the outer surface of the container body 10 to cover the container body 10. As illustrated in Figure 2, the plastic element 40 is disposed over the entire region of the container body 10 in its direction. circumferentially to surround the container body 10, having a substantially circular horizontal cross-section.

In this example, the plastic element 40 is arranged to cover the shoulder part 12, the trunk part 20 and the lower part 30 of the container body 10 excluding the mouth part 11 and the neck part 13. This allows to give functions and desired features to the shoulder portion 12, the trunk portion 20, and the bottom portion 30 of the container body 10.

It should be noted that the plastic element 40 can be arranged in all or part of the body of the container 10 excluding the mouth part 11.

For example, the plastic element 40 can be arranged to completely cover the neck portion 13, the shoulder portion 12, the trunk portion 20, and the bottom portion 30 of the container body 10 excluding the mouth portion 11. Alternatively, the plastic element 40 can be arranged to cover, for example, only the lower part 30. In addition, the number of plastic elements 40 arranged can be two or more in addition to one. For example, two plastic elements 40 may be provided: one on the outer surface of the shoulder portion 12, and the other on the outer surface of the lower portion 30. The plastic element 40 may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers. .

The plastic member 40 (40a) may contain a resin material.

Examples of the resin material that can be contained include PE, PP, PET, PEN, poly-4-methylpentene-1, polystyrene, AS resin, ABS resin, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, Polyvinyl Acetal, Polyvinyl Butyral, Diallyl Phthalate Resin, Fluorine-Based Resin, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polyacrylic Acid, Polymethyl Acrylate, Polyacrylonitrile, Polyacrylamide, Polybutadiene, Polybutene-1, Polyisoprene, Polychloroprene, Ethylene Propylene Rubber, Butyl Rubber, Nitrile Rubber, Acrylic Rubber, Silicone Rubber, Fluorine-Containing Rubber, Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6, Nylon MXD6, Aromatic Polyamide, Polycarbonate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Polyethylene Naphthalate, Polymer U, liquid crystal polymer, modified polyphenylene ether, polyether ketone, polyether ether ketone, unsaturated polyester, alkyd resin, polyimide, polysulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether sulfone, silicone resin, polyurethane, phenolic resin, urea resin, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, polyacetal, epoxy resin, and ionomer resin.

It is preferable to contain a thermoplastic and non-elastic resin material such as PE, PP, PET, or PEN, among others. Containing PE, PP, and/or PET contributes to better wettability of the layer on which a print is made, thus improving print quality.

In addition, containing PEN can provide better gas-barrier properties against oxygen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid gas and the like and better ray-barrier properties against ultraviolet rays and the like, thereby further preventing carbonic acid gases exit through the vessel.

Containing PEN can also improve mechanical strength.

In the case where the plastic member 40a is formed in a single layer, the PEN content in the plastic member 40a is preferably at least 20% by mass, more preferably at least 50% by mass, even more preferably at least 90%. % by mass, based on the total mass of the resin material. In the case where the plastic element 40a is formed in multiple layers, the PEN content is preferably at least 20% by mass, more preferably at least 50% by mass, and even more preferably at least 90% by mass, in based on the total mass of the resin material contained in the layer including PEN.

The plastic element 40 (40a) may contain, as a resin material, a copolymer obtained by copolymerizing two or more different monomer units included in the aforementioned resins. Furthermore, the plastic element 40 (40a) may contain two or more different resin materials mentioned above.

Light blocking properties can be improved by using a foamed member which is obtained by mixing an inert gas (nitrogen gas or argon gas) with a molten thermoplastic resin and having foamed cells in a diameter of 0.5 to 100 pm, and performing molding on the foamed preform.

In one embodiment, the plastic member 40 (40a) may contain an ultraviolet absorber. The ultraviolet absorber can be contained in a colored layer, which is described later, or in a printing layer. Examples of the ultraviolet absorber include a benzotriazole-based ultraviolet absorber, a triazine-based ultraviolet absorber, a benzophenone-based ultraviolet absorber, and a benzoate-based ultraviolet absorber.

In the case where the plastic member 40 is formed in a single layer, the content of an ultraviolet absorber is preferably 0.01 to 10 parts by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 3 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the resin material contained in the plastic member 40. In the case where the plastic member 40 is formed in multiple layers, the content of an ultraviolet absorber is preferably 0.01 to 10 parts by mass, and with greater preferably 0.1 to 3 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the resin material contained in the layer of the plastic member 40 containing the ultraviolet absorber.

The plastic member 40 has an ultraviolet transmission of preferably 5% or less, more preferably 3% or less, and most preferably 1% or less.

An ultraviolet ray is a beam of light with a wavelength of 10nm to 400nm. The term "an ultraviolet ray transmittance of 5% or less" means a transmittance of 5% or less in the entire wavelength region (10 nm to 400 nm) of an ultraviolet ray.

Visible light and ultraviolet ray transmittances can be measured using a method consistent with JIS A5759. For example, with the spectrophotometer (UV3100, produced by Shimadzu Corporation), light transmittances for wavelengths of visible and ultraviolet light can be obtained by taking measurements every 0.5nm in a wavelength range of 10nm to 400nm. .

In one embodiment, the plastic element 40 (40a) may contain the same material as that contained in the container body 10 (preform 10a).

In this case, the plastic member 40 having its layer may be disposed in a specific portion of the composite container 10A, the portion being desired to be strong, thereby selectively increasing the strength of the portion. For example, the plastic element 40 can be arranged around the shoulder portion 12 and around the bottom 30 of the container body 10 to increase the strength of these portions. Examples of the material for said plastic member 40 include thermoplastic resins, in particular, PE, PP, PET, PEN, or PC, and an ionomer resin.

For example, the container body 10 may contain 80 mass% PET and 20 mass% PP, while the plastic element 40 serving as a wall thickening element may contain 75 mass% PET and 25 mass% PP. mass.

The plastic member 40 (40a) may contain a material that has gas barrier properties such as oxygen barrier properties or water vapor barrier properties. In this case, it becomes possible to improve the gas barrier properties of the composite container 10A, thus preventing the liquid contents from deteriorating due to oxygen and decreasing in quantity due to water vapor transpiration, without the need for use a multilayer preform or a preform containing a mixed material such as preform 10a. For example, the plastic element 40 can be disposed on the shoulder part 12, the neck part 13, the trunk part 20 and the bottom part 30 of the container body 10, thus improving the gas barrier properties of the container. This parts. Examples of the material for such parts include PE, PP, MXD-6 (nylon), and EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer). It is also possible to mix any of these materials with an oxygen absorber such as a fatty acid salt.

The plastic element 40 (40a) may contain a material that has light barrier properties against ultraviolet and other rays. In this case, it becomes possible to improve the ray-barrier properties of the composite container 10A, thereby preventing the liquid contents from deteriorating due to ultraviolet and other rays, without the need to use a multilayer preform or a preform that contains a mixed material as the preform 10a. For example, the plastic element 40 can be disposed on the shoulder part 12, the neck part 13, the trunk part 20 and the bottom part 30 of the container body 10, thus improving the ultraviolet ray barrier properties. of these parts. Examples of such materials may include a blended material, or a material obtained by adding a light-blocking resin to PET, PE, or PP. Alternatively, a foamed member having foamed cells in a diameter of 0.5 to 100 µm may be used, the foamed member being made by mixing an inert gas (nitrogen gas or argon gas) with a molten thermoplastic resin.

The plastic element 40 (40a) may contain a material that has better heat or cold retention properties (ie, material of lower thermal conductivity) than the plastic material included in the container body 10 (preform 10a). In this case, it becomes possible to reduce the thermal conduction of the liquid contents to the surface of the composite container 10A, without the need to increase the thickness of the container body 10 itself. As a result, the heat or cold retention properties of the composite container 10A can be improved. For example, the plastic element 40 can be disposed in all or part of the trunk portion 20 of the container body 10 to improve the heat or cold retention properties of the trunk portion 20. In addition, the user is protected from find the difficulty in holding the 10A composite container that would be too hot or too cold. Examples of such materials may include foamed polyurethane, polystyrene, PE, PP, phenolic resin, polyvinyl chloride, urea resin, silicone, polyimide, and melamine resin. Alternatively, a foamed member having foamed cells in a diameter of 0.5 to 100 μm may be used, the foamed member being made by mixing an inert gas (nitrogen gas or argon gas) with a molten thermoplastic resin. It is preferable that the resin material containing any such resin is mixed with hollow particles. An average particle diameter of the hollow particles is preferably 1 to 200 μm, and more preferably 5 to 80 μm. "Average particle diameter" means a volume-average diameter, which can be measured using a known method with a grain size distribution and particle size distribution measuring device (for example, the Particle Size Analyzer). Nanotrac produced by Nikkiso Co., Ltd.). The hollow particles may be organic hollow particles composed of resins or the like, or they may be inorganic hollow particles composed of glass or the like, but they are preferably organic hollow particles for their excellent dispersing properties. The examples of a resin included in organic hollow particles may include a styrene-based resin such as a cross-linked styrene acrylic resin, a (meth)acrylic resin such as an acrylonitrile acrylic resin, a phenol-based resin, a fluorine, a polyamide-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polycarbonate-based resin, and a polyether-based resin. Commercially available hollow particles can also be used, including, for example, ROPAQUE HP-1055, ROPAQUE HP-91, ROPAQUE OP-84J, ROPAQUE ULTRA, ROPAQUE ^s E, and ROPAQUE ST (produced by Rohm and Haas Company); Nipol MH-5055 (produced by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.); and SX8782 and SX866 (produced by JSR Corporation). The hollow particle content is preferably 0.01 to 50 parts by mass, and more preferably 1 to 20 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the resin material included in the layer of the plastic member 40 containing the hollow particles.

The plastic element 40 (40a) may contain a material that is less slippery than the plastic material included in the body of the container 10 (preform 10a). In this case, it can be made easier for the user to grasp the composite container 10A without the need to change the material of the container body 10. For example, the plastic element 40 can be provided in all or part of the container part. stem 20 from the container body 10 to make it easier to hold the stem portion 20.

In addition to the aforementioned resins used as main components, any of various additives may be added to the plastic member 40 (40a) to the extent that the characteristics of the plastic member 40 (40a) remain intact. Examples of additives that can be added include plasticizers, UV stabilizers, color protectors, deglossants, deodorants, flame retardants, waterproofing agents, antistatic agents, thread friction agents, slip agents, anti-blocking agents, antioxidants, exchange agents ionic, lubricants, and coloring pigments.

In one embodiment, the plastic member 40 includes a colored layer and/or a print layer having a region in which an impression is made (a print region).

(colored layer)

A colored layer may contain any of the aforementioned resin materials and a colorant. As the colorant, a colorant of brown, black, green, white, blue, red, or the like can be used.

With the plastic element 40 (40a) containing a colorant of a predetermined color, a visible light can be cut into a desired wavelength band (absorbed or reflected), thus avoiding the problem of denaturing the liquid contents in the container. composite container 10 ^a caused by visible light.

For example, assuming that the container is loaded with beer as the contents, a visible light of a wavelength of 400 to 500 nm needs to be cut off. In this case, coloring the entire plastic member 40 (40a) brown by containing a brown colorant in the colored layer of the plastic member 40 (40a) can cut off visible light of a wavelength of 400 to 500nm, effectively preventing This way the contents, that is, the beer, are denatured.

A visible light, as used herein, is a light beam with a wavelength of 380nm to 800nm. Visible light transmittances can be measured using a JIS A5759 compliant method. For example, with the spectrophotometer (UV3100, produced by Shimadzu Corporation), light transmittances for wavelengths of visible light can be obtained by taking measurements every 0.5nm in a wavelength range of 220 to 800nm.

The colorant may be a pigment or dye, but is preferably a pigment in view of light resistance. Preferable pigments, among others, are light-reflecting pigments and light-absorbing pigments.

Examples of a light-reflecting pigment include titanium white, aluminum powder, mica powder, zinc sulfide, zinc oxide, calcium carbonate, kaolin, and talc, while examples of a light-absorbing pigment include zinc black. carbon, ceramic black and animal carbon.

With the plastic element 40 (40a) containing a light-reflecting colorant and/or a light-absorbing colorant, a visible light of a wavelength over a wider range can be cut to prevent the contents being denatured. fill the 10A composite container. Among the aforementioned colorants, light-absorbing pigments of black, brown and similar colors are most preferred because they can significantly reduce the transmittance of a visible light in the plastic member 40.

It should be noted that a colored layer may contain two or more of the aforementioned colorants, and the plastic member 40 may include two or more colored layers.

The content of colorant in a colored layer is preferably 0.01 to 10 parts by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 3.0 parts by mass, and still more preferably 0.5 to 2.0 parts by mass. mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the resin material contained in a colored layer. As long as the colorant content is within the above ranges, a change in the performance of the resin in the colored layer can be minimized as much as possible, and the molding can be performed with a stable color tone.

(print layer)

As illustrated in Figure 7, a print layer has a region in which a pattern or letters are printed, ie, a print region 44 (44a). Figure 7 shows that an impression is made on the outside of the outer layer of the plastic element 40, but this is only an example; An impression can be made on the inside or outside of any layer that forms part of the plastic element 40.

With the plastic element 40 including a print layer, images and/or lettering can be displayed on the composite container 10A without the need to attach a separate label to the body of the container 10. For example, the plastic element 40 can be arranging on all or part of the trunk portion 20 of the container body 10 to display images and/or letters on the trunk portion 20.

In addition, the printing region 44 (44a) can be formed on the outside or inside of a layer included in the plastic element 40.

Printing processes including, for example, inkjet printing process, gravure printing process, offset printing process and flexography process can be used.

The impression can be made on the plastic element 40 of the composite container 10A that has been blow molded.

Alternatively, printing can be done on a resin film prior to lamination, described below, or it can be done on a single layer plastic resin tube prior to lamination. Alternatively, the printing can be done on the plastic element 40a that is not yet attached to the preform 10a, or it can be done on the plastic element 40a that has been disposed on the outside of the preform 10a.

It is preferable that a surface treatment, such as a corona treatment, a low-temperature plasma treatment, or a frame treatment, be given to the area where an impression region will be formed on the plastic member 40. Giving such a surface treatment provides better wettability on the surface of a resin film or resin tube, thereby improving print quality.

In one embodiment, it is preferable to form an anchor coating layer in advance on the plastic member 40. Providing an anchor coating layer improves ink adhesion to the plastic member 40 (40a). Thus, the need for pretreatment, such as corona treatment, is eliminated. Providing an anchor coating layer also helps prevent blurred prints.

As described above, the plastic element 40 may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers, and the innermost layer and the outermost layer on the innermost surface and the outermost surface may be composed of the same resin material or of different resin materials.

Specific examples of the layers may include low-density PE+/tie-layer/EVOH/tie-layer/low-density PE, PP/tie-layer/EVOH/tie-layer/PP, and low-density PE/tie-layer. adhesion/PE low-density dye (colored layer).

At least one of these layers may contain a colorant to be a colored layer, or may be printed on top to be a print layer.

Examples of an adhesive included in an adhesion layer include a polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive, a polyacrylic ester-based adhesive, a cyanoacrylate-based adhesive, an ethylene copolymer adhesive, a cellulose-based adhesive, a polyester-based adhesive, a polyamide-based adhesive, a polyimide-based adhesive, an amino resin-based adhesive, a phenolic resin-based adhesive, an epoxy-based adhesive, a polyurethane-based adhesive , a rubber-based adhesive, and a silicone-based adhesive.

The plastic element 40 is not welded or adhered to the container body 10, and therefore the plastic element 40 can be detached from the container body 10.

Specifically, the plastic member 40 can be cut with a tool such as a blade, or it can be peeled off by cutting along a cutting line (not shown) that is provided in advance on the member. plastic 40. Therefore, the plastic element 40 on which an impression is made can be separated and removed from the container body 10, which means that the transparent and colorless container body 10 can be recycled in a conventional manner.

An example of the thickness of the plastic member 40 attached to the container body 10 may be, without limitation, from about 5 µm to 50 µm.

(Surface protection layer 80)

In one embodiment, the composite container 10A may include a protective surface layer 80 disposed over the plastic member 40, as illustrated in Figure 5. The protective surface layer 80 is responsible for protecting the plastic member 40.

The surface protection layer 80 can be arranged to cover not only the plastic element 40 but also all or part of the container.

The surface protection layer 80 may or may not be colored. Although the protection layer may be transparent or opaque, in the case where a print is made on the plastic member 40, the protection layer is preferably transparent in order to maintain print quality.

In one embodiment, the surface protection layer 80 is thinly stretched over the outer surface of the plastic member 40 to cover at least the plastic member 40. The surface protection layer 80 is disposed over the entire region of the plastic member 40 and the container body 10 in its circumferential direction to surround the plastic element 40 and the container body 10, which has a substantially circular horizontal cross-section.

In one embodiment, the surface protection layer 80 is arranged to cover the shoulder portion 12, the trunk portion 20, and the bottom portion 30 of the container body 10 excluding the mouth portion 11 and neck portion 13, as well as to cover the plastic element 40.

It should be noted that the surface protection layer 80 can be arranged on all or part of the body of the container 10 and the plastic element 40.

For example, the surface protection layer 80 may be arranged to cover only the printed portion or the colored portion of the plastic member 40. Also, the number of surface protection layers 80 arranged may be two or more in addition to one.

Preferably, the surface protection layer 80 contains a heat curable resin or an ionizing radiation curable resin, and more preferably, the surface protection layer 80 contains an ionizing radiation curable resin because it provides higher surface hardness and excellent productivity. An ionizing radiation curable resin can be used together with a heat curable resin.

As the ionizing radiation curable resin, any resin which can cause polymerization and crosslinking reaction when irradiated with ionizing radiation such as ultraviolet or electron ray can be used without particular limitation. Examples of such resins include polyester resins, polyether resins, acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, alkyd resins, spiroacetal resins, polybutadiene resins, polythiol-polyene resins, and polyhydric alcohols.

More specifically, examples may include ethyl (meth)acrylate, ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, styrene, methylstyrene, and N-vinylpyrrolidone, each of which has an unsaturated bond; polymethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, hexanediol (meth)acrylate, tripropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, di(meth)acrylate 1,6-hexanediol acrylate, and neopentylglycol di(meth)acrylate, each of which has two or more unsaturated bonds; and a reaction product of any of the above compounds with (meth)acrylate or the like.

The term "(meth)acrylate" as used herein refers to methacrylate and acrylate.

It is further preferable to use any of these resins together with a photopolymerization initiator, such as acetophenones, benzophenones, or benzyls.

Examples of heat curable resins include phenolic resins, urea resins, diallyl phthalate resins, melamine resins, guanamine resins, unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethane resins, epoxy resins, aminoalkyd resins, co-condensed resins of melamine-urea, silicone resins, and polysiloxane resins.

It is further preferable to use any of these resins together with a thermal polymerization initiator, a hardening accelerator, a hardener, or the like.

The surface protection layer 80 (80a) can be formed by applying and curing a coating slip containing any of the aforementioned resin compositions using a printing method such as inkjet printing, gravure printing, etc. the offset printing process, or the flexography process.

It is preferable to use the ink jet method, among others, for its capabilities to adjust the coating area and shape of the coating slip, to reduce the amount of coating slip consumed, and to reproduce brightly textured patterns.

The ink jet method is also favorable in that it can reduce the number of procedures required because both forming the surface protection layer 80 (80a) and making an impression on the plastic member 40 (40a) can be performed within a single device. .

Specifically, the surface protection layer 80 (80a) can be formed by using the inkjet process to apply a coating slip to at least the surface of the plastic member 40 (40a), and then irradiating the slip with ionizing radiation to cure slip.

As ionizing radiation, electromagnetic rays or charged particles are used that have sufficient energy to cause a curing reaction in resin molecules curable by ionizing radiation. Ultraviolet rays or electron beams are normally used, but visible rays, X-rays or ion rays can also be used.

Surface protection layer 80a(80) may be formed, for example, on plastic member 40a that is not yet bonded to preform 10a.

Alternatively, the surface protection layer 80a (80) can be formed on the plastic member 40a and/or the preform 10a, which is included in the composite preform 70 that has not yet been subjected to blow molding. Alternatively, the surface protection layer 80a(80) may be formed on the plastic member 40a and/or container body 10, which is/are included in the composite container that has been blow molded.

Also, the surface protection layer 80a (80) can be formed on a resin sheet that has not yet been molded into the plastic member 40a.

An example of the thickness of the surface protection layer 80 attached to the container body 10 may be, without limitation, from about 1 pm to 20 pm.

(Label 43)

In one embodiment, a label 43 is attached to the container body 10 and/or to the plastic element 40 of the composite container 10A as illustrated in Figure 6.

Examples of the label 43 may include a shrink label, a stretch label, a roll label, an adhesive label, a paper label, and a label hung by string from the neck portion 13 of the composite container 10A (in hereinafter referred to as "hang tag" if applicable). It is preferable to use shrink label, stretch label or roll label, among others, for its high productivity.

It is preferable that a print region is provided where a print is made on the label 43. In addition to the artwork and product name, text information including the names of liquid contents, manufacturer and raw materials may be displayed. in the print region. Label 43 may be colored, in whole or in part, red, blue, yellow, green, brown, black, white, or the like, and may be transparent or opaque.

An example of the composite container 10A that includes the label 43 may be, as illustrated in Figure 8(a), the one with the attached label 43 covering part of the composite container 10 and the plastic element 40.

Another example can be, as illustrated in Figure 8(b), the one with the attached label 43 that covers the entire plastic element 40.

Still another example may be, as illustrated in Figure 8(c), configured so that the label 43 is arranged to cover the entirety of the plastic element 40, the letters on the label are transparent, and the plastic element 40 is color.

Still another example may be, as illustrated in Figure 8(d), the one with the label 43 having letters hanging from the neck portion 13 of the composite container 10A.

In addition to the examples above, other configurations (not illustrated) may be possible; for example, separate artworks are printed in advance to be overlaid on the plastic member 40 and the label 43, and then the plastic member 40 and the label 43 are superimposed on each other to create a single complete image or a stereoscopic effect.

Aspects of the aforementioned labels are described below.

A shrink wrap label may be wrapped to cover the container body 10 and/or the plastic member 40 in whole or in part. The shrink label can be obtained by attaching a shrink label to the container body 10 and/or the plastic element 40 and then shrink-wrapping at a temperature of 80 to 90 degrees.

The shrink label can be made using a resin film, such as polylactic acid-based film, polystyrene-based film, polyester-based film, low-density polyethylene film, high-density polyethylene film. media, high-density polyethylene film, linear low-density polyethylene film, cyclic polyolefin film, polypropylene film, stretchable polyolefin film made of resins such as ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene-propylene copolymers, vinyl acetate, ionomer resins, ethylene-acrylate copolymers, ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers, a multilayer polyester-polystyrene film, a nonwoven fabric laminated film and a shrink film, a coextruded polyester-polystyrene film, a polyamide film such as a 6-nylon or 6,6-nylon film, a modified polyolefin film made of resins such as chlorinated polyethylene or chlorinated polypropylene, a film made of vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resins, and an acrylic resin film. As for the above-mentioned films, any of the following different resin films can be used: a single-layer film formed with one or more types of component resins using a film-forming process such as an extrusion process, the casting molding process, T-mold process, cutting process, puffing process, or the like; a multilayer film formed of two or more kinds of resins by coextrusion or the like; and a film formed by mixing two or more kinds of resins and stretching the film uniaxially or biaxially using the tubular method, the stretching method or the like. However, a uniaxially stretched film stretched in the direction of flow is preferred. These films can be foamed films.

Films that can be suitably used in the present invention include, for example, stretched polyester-based films, stretched polystyrene-based films, stretched polyolefin-based films, polylactic acid-based films, foamed polyolefin-based films, coextruded films based on polystyrene and stretched polyester, films based on foamed polystyrene, and multilayer films of polyester-polystyrene, for their excellent thermal insulation. A laminated film formed of non-woven fabric and any of the aforementioned films can also be used. A stretched film can be uniaxially stretched or biaxially stretched, and a uniaxially stretched film can be stretched in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction.

An example of the thickness of the shrink label attached to the composite container 10A may be, without limitation, from about 10 pm to 80 pm.

As with the shrink label, a stretch label can be wrapped to cover the container body 10 and/or the plastic member 40 in whole or in part. The stretchable label wrapped around the composite container 10A can be obtained by tightening the label on the composite container 10A while pulling the label in the circumferential direction, and then removing the pulling force, which allows the label to shrink and follow to composite container 10A.

The stretchable label can be made using single-layer or multi-layer resin film composed of thermoplastic resin film with moderate flexibility, such as, for example, low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene linear low density, polypropylene, or other polyolefin resins. Among others, a single layer film composed of linear low density polyethylene or a multilayer film having a layer composed of linear low density polyethylene is preferably used to make the extensible label. These films can be made using the procedure described above. An example of the thickness of the stretchable label attached to the composite container 10A may be, without limitation, from about 5 µm to 50 µm.

As with the shrink label, a roll label and an adhesive label can be wrapped to cover the container body 10 and/or the plastic member 40 in whole or in part. Roll label can be made by wrapping a resin film around the composite container and gluing or fusing one end of the resin film onto the container. The adhesive label can be obtained by directly bonding a resin film on the composite container mediated by an adhesive or the like.

Both roll label and adhesive label can be made using any of the aforementioned resin films. Examples of the adhesive include a polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive, a polyacrylic ester-based adhesive, a cyanoacrylate-based adhesive, an ethylene copolymer adhesive, a cellulose-based adhesive, a polyester-based adhesive, a polyamide based adhesive, a polyimide based adhesive, an amino resin based adhesive, an amino resin based adhesive, a phenolic resin based adhesive, an epoxy based adhesive, a polyurethane based adhesive , a rubber-based adhesive, and a silicone-based adhesive.

An example of the thickness of the roll label or adhesive label attached to the composite container 10A may be, without limitation, from about 5 µm to 100 µm.

As with the shrink label, a paper label can be wrapped to cover the container body 10 and/or the plastic member 40 in part or in full. As with the adhesive label, the paper label can be obtained by directly bonding a resin film to the composite container using an adhesive or the like.

To make the paper label, it is preferable to use highly waterproof paper impregnated with, for example, a polyisocyanate compound.

An example of the thickness of the paper label attached to the composite container 10A may be, without limitation, from about 50 pm to 300 pm.

A hanging label can be obtained by hanging a label made of a resin film or paper with, for example, a string, from the neck portion 13 of the composite container 10A. The label is not limited to any specific size and thickness, and therefore the label can be used in any size and thickness.

(Composite Preform 70)

A configuration of the composite preform 70 in accordance with the present embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 4.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the composite preform 70 includes the preform 10a made of a plastic material, and the plastic element 40a being cylindrical closed at the bottom and disposed on the outside of the preform 10a.

In one embodiment, a surface protection layer 80a may be provided on the plastic member 40a as illustrated in Figure 9.

(Preform 10a)

The preform 10a includes a mouth portion 11a, a trunk portion 20a, which is attached to the mouth portion 11a, and a bottom portion 30a, which is attached to the trunk portion 20a.

The mouth portion 11a, which corresponds to the mouth portion 11 of the container body 10 described above, is shaped substantially the same as the mouth portion 11.

The trunk part 20a, which corresponds to the neck part 13, the shoulder part 12 and the trunk part 20 of the container body 10 described above, has a substantially cylindrical shape.

The bottom 30a, which corresponds to the lower part 30 of the body of the container 10 described above, has a substantially hemispherical shape.

(Plastic element 40a)

The plastic element 40a is not adhered but bonded to the outer surface of the preform 10a, being closely bonded such that it does not move or rotate with respect to the preform 10a, or being closely bonded to the extent that the plastic element 40a does not fall under its own weight. The plastic member 40a is disposed over the entire region of the preform 10a in its circumferential direction to surround the preform 10a, which has a circular horizontal cross section.

In this example, the plastic element 40a is arranged to cover the entire trunk portion 20a excluding the neck portion 13a, which corresponds to the neck portion 13 of the container body 10, and to cover the entire bottom portion 30a. It should be noted that the plastic element 40a can be disposed on all or part of the preform 10a excluding the mouth part 11a. For example, the plastic element 40a can be arranged to completely cover the trunk part 20a and the bottom part 30a excluding the mouth part 11a. Furthermore, the number of arranged plastic elements 40a may be two or more in addition to one. For example, two plastic elements 40a may be provided at two different portions of the exterior of the trunk portion 20a.

Said plastic element 40a (40) may not have, or may have (it may be a shrinkable tube), the function of contracting with respect to the preform 10a (container body 10). From the viewpoint of introducing little air between the container body 10 and the plastic member 40 after blow molding, that is, bringing into close contact with each other, the plastic member 40a (40) preferably has the function of contracting ( shrink tube) with respect to the preform 10a (the body of the container 10).

In the case of the former, the plastic member 40a may be, for example, a blown tube made by blow molding, a sheet molded tube made by sheet molding such as deep drawing, an extruded tube made by extrusion molding, an inflation molded tube in which a resin sheet obtained by the inflation process is shaped, and an injection molded tube made by injection molding. However, these are just examples, and the plastic member 40a can be made using some other molding method.

On the other hand, in the case where the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a has the function of shrinking, the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a can be shrunk (for example, heat shrunk) with respect to the preform 10a when, for example, an external effect (for example, heat) is given. Alternatively, the plastic element (contractile tube) 40 can be contractile or elastic in itself, being able to contract without any external effect.

The plastic element 40a can be composed of a single layer or multiple layers.

Preferably, the plastic element 40a is formed of a plurality of layers: an inner layer 45, an intermediate layer 46, and an outer layer 47. These layers may be adhered to each other through an adhesion layer. In one embodiment, the plastic member 40a includes a colored layer and/or a print layer having a region in which a print is made (a print region 44a).

Imprint region 44a may be formed on the outside or inside of a layer included in plastic member 40a.

For example, print region 44a can be formed on the outside of outer layer 43 (see Figure 10(a)), or it can be formed on its interior (see Figure 10(b)).

Imprint region 44a can also be formed on the outside of intermediate layer 42 (see Figure 10(c)), or can be formed on its interior (see Figure 10(d)).

Imprint region 44a can also be formed on the outside of inner layer 41 (see Figure 10(e)), or it can be formed on the inside (see Figure 10(f)).

For example, the following procedure can be used to make an impression (form impression region 44a) on plastic member 40a.

To make an impression inside the middle layer 46 as illustrated in Figure 11, prior to stacking with the inner layer 45 and outer layer 43, an inkjet nozzle 44 is inserted into the plastic resin tube forming middle layer 42, a print is made using the inkjet process (see Figure 11(a)), and then the inner layer 41 and middle layer 42 are stacked through an adhesion layer (see Figure 11(b)).

The outer layer 47 is then added to the stack via an adhesion layer (see Figure 11(c)), forming the plastic element 40a where an impression is made on the inside of the middle layer 46 (Figure 11 ( d)).

Examples of the adhesive include a polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive, a polyacrylic ester-based adhesive, a cyanoacrylate-based adhesive, an ethylene copolymer adhesive, a cellulose-based adhesive, a polyester-based adhesive, a polyamide based adhesive, a polyimide based adhesive, an amino resin based adhesive, an amino resin based adhesive, a phenolic resin based adhesive, an epoxy based adhesive, a polyurethane based adhesive , a rubber-based adhesive, and a silicone-based adhesive.

To make a print on the outside of the plastic member 40a, the print region 44a can be formed by direct printing with an ink jet printer.

In one embodiment, a printer may be used to print on the outside of the plastic member 40a attached to the preform 10a (composite preform 70). In one embodiment, the printer includes a head to which the composite preform and which rotates (rotates and flips) the composite preform, an ink blowing unit which blows ink to the plastic member 40a attached to the head, and an ink curing unit which cures the attached ink. In this case, while the plastic member 40a in the composite preform 70 to which the head is attached rotates and rotates, the ink blowing unit blows ink to the plastic member 40a. The composite preform 70 is then raised on the head, and the ink curing unit cures the ink by, for example, UV curing. In this way, the printing region 44a is arranged on the outside of the plastic element 40a.

In another embodiment, the printer includes a plurality of wheels that transport and rotate (rotate and flip) the composite preform 70. The plurality of wheels includes an ink blowing wheel that blows ink and an ink curing wheel that cures ink. the attached ink. In this case, while the individual ink blowing wheels sequentially transport the composite preform 70, an ink blowing unit in each ink blowing wheel blows ink onto the composite preform 70. Then, the composite preform 70 is transported to the ink curing wheel, which cures the ink by, for example, UV curing. In this way, the printing region 44a is arranged on the outside of the plastic element 40a.

The impression can also be made on the plastic element 40 included in the composite container 10A that has been subjected to blow molding.

For example, in one embodiment, printing can be done on the plastic member 40 using a printer that includes a head to which the composite container 10A is attached and which rotates (rotates and flips) the composite container 10A, a unit an ink blowing unit that blows ink to the plastic member 40 in the composite container 10A attached to the head, and an ink curing unit that cures the attached ink.

In this case, while the plastic member 40 in the composite container 10A to which the print head is attached rotates and rotates, the ink blowing unit blows ink into the plastic member 40. Then, the composite container 10A is raised in the head, and the ink curing unit cures the ink by, for example, UV curing. In this way, the impression is made on the outside of the plastic element 40.

In another embodiment, the printer includes a plurality of wheels that transport and rotate (rotate and flip) the composite container 10A. The plurality of wheels includes an ink blowing wheel that blows ink containing an ink composition having gas barrier properties and an ink curing wheel that cures the ink attached to the composite container 10A. In this case, while the individual ink blowing wheels sequentially transport the composite container 10A, an ink blowing unit in each ink blowing wheel blows ink containing an ink composition having gas-barrier properties onto it. the 10A composite container. The composite container 10A is then transported to the ink curing wheel, which cures the ink by, for example, UV curing. In this way, the impression is made on the outside of the plastic element 40.

The ink used to form the printing region 44 (44a) is not limited to any specific ink, but preferably has gas barrier properties, that is, gas impermeable properties, which can improve gas barrier properties, such as oxygen barrier properties and water vapor barrier properties of the composite container. More specifically, the following can be achieved: preventing oxygen from entering the container, preventing the liquid contents from degrading, preventing water vapor inside the container from evaporating outwards, and preventing the contents from decreasing in amount.

The ink may contain a brown, black, green, white, red, or blue colorant. The colorant may be a pigment or dye, but is preferably a pigment in view of light resistance. Among the above-mentioned colorants, a light reflective pigment such as titanium white, aluminum powder, mica powder, zinc sulfide, zinc oxide, calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc or other white pigment, or a pigment is preferred. that absorbs light such as carbon black, ceramic black, animal charcoal, or other colored pigment. Using the ink containing such a pigment can reduce the transmittance of a visible light through the plastic member 40 that has been blow molded, thereby preventing degradation of the liquid contents filling the composite container 10A. The content of a colorant in the ink is preferably 0.01 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 1 to 10% by mass.

Preferably, the ink contains a heat curable resin or an ionizing radiation curable resin, and more preferably, the ink contains an ionizing radiation curable resin because it provides higher surface hardness and excellent productivity. An ionizing radiation curable resin can be used together with a heat curable resin.

As the ionizing radiation curable resin, a resin which can cause a polymerization and crosslinking reaction when irradiated with ionizing radiation such as ultraviolet or electron ray can be used. Examples of such resins include polyester resins, polyether resins, acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, alkyd resins, spiroacetal resins, polybutadiene resins, polythiolpolyene resins, and polyhydric alcohols.

Among others, UV-curable resins are preferred because they have higher tracking ability and are less likely to have cracks and other defects caused by blow molding.

Examples of ultraviolet curable resins may include ethyl (meth)acrylate, ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, styrene, methylstyrene, and N-vinylpyrrolidone, each of which has an unsaturated bond; polymethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, hexanediol (meth)acrylate, tripropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, di(meth)acrylate 1,6-hexanediol acrylate, and neopentylglycol di(meth)acrylate, each of which has two or more unsaturated bonds; and a reaction product of any of the above compounds with (meth)acrylate or the like.

The term "(meth)acrylate" as used herein refers to methacrylate and acrylate. It is further preferable to use any of these resins together with a photopolymerization initiator, such as acetophenones, benzophenones, or benzyls.

Examples of heat curable resins include phenolic resins, urea resins, diallyl phthalate resins, melamine resins, guanamine resins, unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethane resins, epoxy resins, aminoalkyd resins, co-condensed resins of melamine-urea, silicone resins, and polysiloxane resins. It is further preferable to use any of these resins together with a thermal polymerization initiator, a hardening accelerator, a hardener, or the like.

The total content of heat-curable resins and ionizing radiation-curable resins in the ink is preferably 1 to 20% by mass, and more preferably 1 to 10% by mass.

An impression can be made more than once repeatedly. This can cause the printed pattern and text to remain sharp even after the print layer 44a expands after blow molding.

It is preferable to give, before making an impression, a surface treatment, such as a corona treatment, a low-temperature plasma treatment, or a frame treatment, to the area where an impression region 44a (44) will be formed on the impression. plastic element 40a (40). Giving such a surface treatment provides better wettability on the surface of a resin film or resin tube, thereby improving print quality. In addition to the surface of a resin film or resin tube, such treatment may be given to the surface of the plastic member 40a.

It is preferable to form an anchor coating layer in advance on the printing region 44 (44a) on the plastic member 40 (40a). Providing an anchor coating layer improves the adhesion of ink to the plastic member 40 (40a). Thus, the need for pretreatment, such as corona treatment, is eliminated. Providing an anchor coating layer also helps prevent blurred prints.

The anchor coating layer can be formed using a conventionally known anchor coating agent. The anchor coating layer can be formed, for example, by using the inkjet process to apply a coating slip containing an anchor coating agent onto the plastic member 40a (40), and then irradiating the slip with, for example, ionizing radiation to cure slip.

Furthermore, it is preferable to form a surface protection layer 80a in the area where an impression has been made on the plastic member 40a (40). Forming the surface protection layer 80a on the plastic member 40a(40) can effectively prevent defects caused over time in the impression made on the plastic member 40a(40), and can also make the composite container more durable.

Preferably, the surface protection layer 80a contains a heat curable resin or an ionizing radiation curable resin, and more preferably, the surface protection layer 80a contains an ionizing radiation curable resin because it provides higher surface hardness and excellent productivity. An ionizing radiation curable resin can be used together with a heat curable resin. Any of the aforementioned heat-curable resins and ionizing radiation-curable resins can be used. The surface protection layer 80a can be formed, for example, by using the ink jet method to apply a coating slip containing such a resin to a printing portion on the surface of the plastic member 40a (40), and then irradiating the layer with, eg, ionizing radiation to cure the slip.

Next, shapes of the plastic member 40a are described.

As illustrated in Figure 12(a), the plastic member 40a may be in a cylindrical shape closed at the bottom as a whole, having a cylindrical stem portion 41 and a lower portion 42 attached to the stem portion 41. In In this case, the plastic element 40a, with its lower part 42 covering the bottom part 30a of the preform 10a, can give various functions and characteristics not only to the trunk part 20 of the composite container 10A but also to the lower part 30. Examples of such a plastic member 40a may include the blow tube and the sheet-molded tube described above.

As illustrated in Figure 12(b), the plastic element 40a can also be in the form of a circular tube (cylindrical open at the bottom) as a whole, having a cylindrical trunk portion 41. In this case, use as the plastic member 40a, for example, the above-described blow tube, extruded tube, blow molded tube, or sheet molded tube.

As illustrated in Figures 12(c) and 12(d), the plastic member 40a can also be made by gluing both ends of a film formed into a cylindrical shape. In this case, the plastic element 40a can be formed into a tubular shape (cylindrical open at the bottom) having the trunk portion 41 as illustrated in Figure 12(c), or it can be formed into a cylindrical shape closed at the bottom. the bottom sticking to the bottom 42 as illustrated in Figure 12(d). In this case, as the plastic member 40a, for example, a blown tube, an extruded tube, an inflated tube, or a sheet-shaped tube can be used.

Procedures for producing the plastic member 40a are described below.

In one embodiment, the plastic element 40a can be produced by molding a resin material with, if desired, a colorant in a resin sheet.

Examples of the molding method include deep drawing molding or forming a resin sheet into a tube and then welding or bonding both ends of the sheet.

The multilayer plastic member 40a can be obtained by stacking two or more resin sheets through any of the above-mentioned adhesives to form a laminated resin sheet.

Examples of the adhesive to be used include a polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive, a polyacrylic ester-based adhesive, a cyanoacrylate-based adhesive, an ethylene copolymer adhesive, a cellulose-based adhesive, a polyester, a polyamide-based adhesive, a polyimide-based adhesive, an amino-resin-based adhesive, an amino-resin-based adhesive, a phenolic-resin-based adhesive, an epoxy-based adhesive, an polyurethane, a rubber-based adhesive, and a silicone-based adhesive. The adhesive can be applied using, for example, a coating process such as the roll coating process, the gravure roll coating process, or the undercoating roll coating process, or a printing process.

To obtain any of the aforementioned resin sheets, a commercially available product may be used, or such a resin sheet may be produced using a conventionally known method. In the present invention, it is preferable to produce the resin sheet by extrusion molding, which is preferably carried out by the T-mold method or the puffing method.

In one embodiment, the plastic member 40a may be produced by extruding a mixture of a heated and molten resin material and others including, if desired, a colorant into a tubular form.

In this case, the multilayer composite plastic member 40a can be obtained by coextruding two or more different resin materials. The plastic member 40a can also be obtained by extruding the aforementioned mixture into a mold and then performing blow molding so that the diameter of the mixture is extended to match the inner surface of the mold.

The plastic member 40a that is contractible can be obtained by following the steps below.

First, closing one end of the tube, which is obtained by extruding a mixture containing any of the aforementioned resin materials, by means of, for example, bonding or welding. Insert the tube with its one end closed into a mold having an internal diameter larger than the external diameter of the tube, and then attach a blowing apparatus to the other end of the tube. At this stage, it is preferable to bring the blowing apparatus into close contact with the tube so that no air is allowed to escape from the tube or the space between them. Next, place the tube, mold, and blowing apparatus in this arrangement in a heating oven, and then heat them to 70 to 150 °C in the oven. To maintain a uniform temperature inside, a hot air circulating oven can be used as the heating oven. Alternatively, the tube, mold, and blowing apparatus can be heated by passing them through a heated liquid. Next, remove the tube, the mold, and the blowing apparatus from the heating oven, and then pressurize and expand the inner surface of the tube by blowing air from the blowing apparatus into the tube. This causes the tube to expand, with its diameter stretching to match the internal shape of the mold. After that, while leaving the blowing apparatus blowing air, cool the tube in cold water, and then remove the tube from the mold. Cutting the tube to a desired size produces a shrinkable plastic member 40a.

In one embodiment, the plastic element 40a can also be obtained by injection molding. The specific steps are as follows. First, heat and melt a resin material. Then, inject the heated and melted resin material into a mold. Cool the material and remove it from the mold. The plastic element 40a can be obtained in this way.

(Procedure for producing a 10A composite container)

A method for producing (blow molding) the composite container 10A according to the present embodiment will now be described with reference to Figs. 13(a) to 13(f).

First, a preform 10a made of a plastic material is prepared (see Figure 13(a)). For this purpose, the preform 10a can be made by, for example, injection molding with an injection molding machine (not shown). Alternatively, a preform conventionally used in common can be used as the preform 10a.

Next, a plastic element 40a is disposed on the outside of the preform 10a to make a composite preform 70, which includes the preform 10a and the plastic element 40a is brought into close contact with the outside of the preform 10a (see Figure 13 (b)).

In this example, the plastic member 40a is in a cylindrical shape closed at the bottom as a whole, having a cylindrical stem portion 41 and a lower portion 42 attached to the stem portion 41. The plastic member 40a is attached to cover the entire trunk portion 20a excluding the portion corresponding to the neck portion 13 of the container body 10 and cover the entire bottom portion 30a.

In this case, the plastic element 40a, which has an inner diameter equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the preform 10a, can be brought into close contact with the outer surface of the preform 10a by pressing the plastic element 40a into the preform 10a. .

Alternatively, as described below, the plastic member 40a that is heat shrinkable may be disposed on the outer surface of the preform 10a and then heated to 50°C to 100°C to cause the plastic member to heat shrink, thus this way the plastic element 40a in close contact with the external surface of the preform 10a.

In this manner, the composite preform 70 is made in advance by bringing the plastic element 40a into close contact with the outside of the preform 10a. Thus, it becomes possible to carry out the series of procedures for making the composite preform 70 (Figures 13(a) and 13(b)) at a location (for example, a factory) different from the location (for example, a factory). factory) where the series of procedures for making the composite container 10A by means of blow molding are carried out (Figs. 13(c) to 13(f)).

Next, the composite preform 70 is heated by heating apparatus 51 (see Fig. 13(c)). At this stage, the composite preform 70, while rotating with the mouth portion 11a downward, is uniformly heated by the heating apparatus 51 in the circumferential direction. The heating temperature for the preform 10a and the plastic member 40a in this heating process can be set from 90°C to 130°C, for example.

Subsequently, the composite preform 70, which has been heated by the heating apparatus 51, is fed into a blow molding mold 50 (see Fig. 13(d)).

Blow molding mold 50 is used to form composite container 10A. In this example, the blow molding mold 50 is composed of a pair of spaced-apart trunk part molds 50a and 50b and a bottom part mold 50c (see Fig. 13(d)). Referring to Fig. 13(d), the pair of trunk part molds 50a and 50b are spaced apart from each other, while the bottom part mold 50c is raised upward. Then, the composite preform 70 is inserted between said pair of trunk part molds 50a and 50b.

Next, as illustrated in Figure 13(e), the bottom mold 50c is lowered and the pair of trunk part molds 50a and 50b are closed, forming the sealed blow molding mold 50 with the pair of molds. of trunk part 50a and 50b and the bottom part mold 50c. Air is then injected into the preform 10a, followed by biaxial stretch blow molding performed on the composite preform 70.

Thus, the container body 10 is obtained from the preform 10a in the blow molding mold 50. Meanwhile, the trunk part molds 50a and 50b are heated up to 30°C to 80°C and the bottom part mold 50c cools to 5°C at 25°C. At this stage, the preform 10a and the plastic member 40a of the composite preform 70 are integrally inflated in the blow molding mold 50. Consequently, the preform 10a and the plastic member 40a are integrally formed into a shape corresponding to the surface inside of the blow molding mold 50.

In this way, the composite container 10A is obtained which includes the container body 10 and the plastic element 40 disposed on the external surface of the container body 10.

Then, as illustrated in Figure 13(f), the pair of trunk part molds 50a and 50b and the bottom part mold 50c are separated from each other, and the composite container 10A is removed from the blow molding mold. fifty.

(Variation of the procedure to produce a 10A composite container)

A variation of the blow molding process (process for producing the composite container 10A) according to the present embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 14(a) to 14(f).

The variation illustrated in Figures 14(a) to 14(f) represents that the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a has the function of contracting with respect to the preform 10a. The configuration in other respects is substantially the same as that of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 13(a) to 13(f). Items in Figures 14(a) to 14(f) identical to those in Figures 13(a) to 13(f) are given identical reference signs and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

First, a preform 10a made of a plastic material is prepared (see Figure 14(a)).

Next, the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a, which is composed of a plurality of layers and at least one of the layers is a colored layer, is placed on the outside of the preform 10a (see Figure 14(b)). .

In this example, the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a is in a cylindrical shape closed at the bottom as a whole, having a cylindrical trunk part 41 and a lower part 42 joined to the trunk part 41. The plastic element ( shrink tube) 40 is attached to cover the entire trunk portion 20a excluding the portion corresponding to the neck portion 13 of the container body 10 and cover the entire bottom portion 30a.

Subsequently, the preform 10a and the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a are heated by the heating apparatus 51 (see Fig. 14(c)).

At this stage, the preform 10a and the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a, while rotating with the mouth portion 11a downward, are heated by the heating apparatus 51 uniformly in the circumferential direction. The heating temperature for the preform 10a and the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a in this heating process can be set from 90°C to 130°C, for example.

In this way, the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a is heated to shrink (heat shrink), resulting in close contact with the outside of the preform 10a (see Figure 14(c)).

In the case where the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a is itself shrinkable, the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a can be in close contact with the outside of the preform 10a immediately when it is disposed on the outside of the preform 10a (see Figure 14(b)).

Subsequently, the preform 10a and the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a, which have been heated by the heating apparatus 51, are fed to the blow molding mold 50 (see Fig. 14(d)).

The blow molding mold 50 is used to mold the preform 10a and the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a, producing the composite container 10A, which includes the container body 10 and the plastic element (shrink tube) 40 arranged in the outer surface of the container body 10 in a manner substantially similar to that illustrated in Figures 13(a) to 13(f) (see Figures 14(d) to 14(f)).

(Another variation of the procedure to produce a 10A composite container)

Another variation of the process (the blow molding process) for producing the composite container 10A according to the present embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 15(a) to 15(g).

The variation illustrated in Figures 15(a) to 15(g) represents that the plastic element 40a has the function of shrinking with respect to the preform 10a, and the preform 10a and the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a are heated in two stages. The configuration in other respects is substantially the same as that of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 13(a) to 13(f). Items in Figures 15(a) to 15(g) identical to those in Figures 13(a) to 13(f) are given identical reference signs and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

First, a preform 10a made of a plastic material is prepared (see Figure 15(a)).

Next, the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a is disposed on the outside of the preform 10a (see Fig. 15(b)). In this example, the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a is in a cylindrical shape closed at the bottom as a whole, having a cylindrical trunk part 41 and a lower part 42 joined to the trunk part 41. plastic element (shrink tube) 40 is attached to cover the entire trunk part 20a excluding the part corresponding to the neck part 13 of the container body 10 and cover the entire bottom part 30a.

Subsequently, the preform 10a and the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a are heated by a first heating apparatus 55 (see Figure 15(c)). The heating temperature for the preform 10a and the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a at this stage can be set from 50°C to 100°C, for example.

The plastic element (shrink tube) 40a is heated to shrink (heat shrink), resulting in close contact with the outside of the preform 10a. Consequently, the composite preform 70 is obtained which includes the preform 10a and the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a placed in close contact with the outside of the preform 10a (see Figure 15(c)).

In this way, the composite preform 70 is made in advance by using the first heating apparatus 55 to heat the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a by bringing it into close contact with the outside of the preform 10a. Thus, it becomes possible to carry out the series of procedures for making the composite preform 70 (Figs. 15(a) to 15(c)) at a location (for example, a factory) other than the location (for example, a factory). factory) where the series of procedures for making the composite container 10A by means of blow molding are carried out (Figs. 15(d) to 15(g)).

Next, the composite preform 70 is heated by a second heating apparatus 51 (see Figure 15(d)). At this stage, the composite preform 70, while rotating with the mouth portion 11a facing downward, is heated by the second heating apparatus 51 uniformly in the circumferential direction. The heating temperature for the preform 10a and the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a in this heating process can be set from 90°C to 130°C, for example.

Subsequently, the composite preform 70, which has been heated by the second heating apparatus 51, is fed to the blow molding mold 50 (see Fig. 15(e)).

The blow molding mold 50 is used to mold the composite preform 70, producing the composite container 10A, which includes the container body 10 and the shrink tube (shrink tube) 40 disposed on the outer surface of the container body 10. , in a manner substantially similar to that illustrated in Figures 13(a) to 13(f) (see Figures 15(e) to 15(g)).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the composite container 10A, which includes the container body 10 and the plastic member 40, is made by integrally inflating the preform 10a and the plastic member 40a of the composite preform 70a. through blow molding made to the composite preform 70 in the blow molding mold 50. Consequently, the preform 10a (container body 10) and the plastic member 40a (plastic member 40) can be formed of different elements. Therefore, various functions and features can be given to the composite container 10A in a flexible manner by selecting an appropriate type and shape of the plastic element 40.

Furthermore, the present embodiment eliminates the need to prepare a new molding apparatus for making the composite container 10A, because the composite container 10A can be made using general blow molding equipment without adding changes.

Variation of the first realization

A variation of the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 16, 17 and 18(a) to 18(f).

According to the variation illustrated in Figures 16, 17 and 18(a) to 18(f), a cylindrical plastic member 40a is used instead of the plastic member 40a having the stem part and the bottom part.

In the composite container 10A illustrated in Figure 16, the plastic element 40 extends from the shoulder portion 12 to the bottom of the trunk portion 20 of the container body 10, but does not reach the bottom 30. In addition, in the composite preform 70 illustrated in Figure 17, the plastic element 40a is brought into close contact with the preform 10a to cover only the stem portion 20a of the preform 10a. More specifically, the plastic element 40a covers the trunk part 20a excluding its lower part and the part 13a corresponding to the neck part 13 of the container body 10.

The configuration in other respects in Figures 16, 17 and 18(a) to 18(f) is substantially the same as that of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 15. The elements in the variation illustrated in Figures 16, 17 and 18(a) to 18(f) identical to those in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 15 are given identical reference signs and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

The configuration and production method of the composite container 10A and the configuration and production method of the composite preform 70 are substantially similar to those of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 15, and therefore detailed descriptions are omitted. thereof. With reference to Figures 16, 17 and 18(a) to 18(f), the plastic element 40a which has the function of contracting with respect to the preform 10a can be used.

second embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 19 to 28 illustrate the second embodiment of the present invention. Elements in Figs. 19 to 28 identical to those in the first embodiment are given identical reference signs and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

(10A Composite Receptacle)

First, an overview of the composite container made using a blow molding process according to the present embodiment is provided with reference to Figures 19 and 20.

As described below, the composite container 10A illustrated in Figures 19 and 20 is obtained by integrally inflating a preform 10a, an inner label member 60a, and a plastic member 40a of a composite preform 70 through blow molding. and biaxial stretching performed on the composite preform 70, which includes the preform 10a, the inner label element 60a, and the plastic element 40a (see Figure 21), using a blow molding mold 50.

Said composite container 10A includes a container body 10, which is made of a plastic material and is located inside the container, an internal label element 60, which is disposed in close contact with the outside of the container body 10, and a plastic element 40, which is arranged in close contact with the external surface of the internal label element 60.

(Body of container 10)

On the one hand, the container body 10 includes a mouth part 11, a neck part 13 arranged below the mouth part 11, a shoulder part 12 arranged below the neck part 13, a trunk part 20 arranged below the shoulder part 12, and a lower part 30 disposed below the trunk part 20.

On the other hand, the inner label member 60 is finely stretched and brought into close contact with the outer surface of the container body 10 so that it does not easily move or rotate with respect to the container body 10.

The plastic member 40 is finely stretched and brought into close contact with the outer surfaces of the container body 10 and the inner label member 60 so that it does not easily move or rotate relative to the container body 10.

At least part of the plastic element 40 may possibly be translucent or transparent. In this case, the inner label element 60 is visible from the outside through the translucent or transparent part. It should be noted that the plastic element 40 may be completely translucent or transparent, or may include an opaque portion and a translucent or translucent portion (eg, a window portion). The present embodiment is described assuming that the plastic element 40 is completely transparent.

(inner label element 60)

Next, the inner label member 60 is described. The inner label member 60 is obtained by arranging it to surround the outside of the preform 10a, and integrally biaxially stretch-blow molding the preform 10a and the inner label member. 60th

The inner label element 60 is not adhered but bonded to the outer surface of the container body 10, being tightly bonded so that it does not move or rotate with respect to the container body 10. The inner label element 60 is stretched thinly over the outer surface of the container body 10 to cover the container body 10. As illustrated in Figure 19, the inner label element 60 is disposed over the entire region of the container body 10 in its circumferential direction to surround the container body 10, having a substantially circular horizontal cross section.

In this example, the inner label element 60 is arranged to cover the shoulder portion 12, the trunk portion 20, and the bottom portion 30 of the container body 10, excluding the mouth portion 11 and neck portion 13. This allows desired letters, images, or the like to be added to the shoulder part 12, the trunk part 20 and the bottom 30 of the body of the container 10, thus giving decorativeness to the composite container 10A and showing information about it.

The inner label element 60 may be arranged to cover all or part of the container body 10 excluding the mouth portion 11. For example, the inner label element 60 may be arranged to completely cover the neck portion 13, the mouth portion shoulder 12, the trunk portion 20 and the bottom portion 30 of the container body 10 excluding the mouth portion 11. Also, the number of inner label elements 60 may be two or more in addition to one. The inner label element 60 can be formed in the same region as the plastic element 40 or in a smaller region than the plastic element 40. In the latter case, it is preferable that the inner label element 60 be completely covered by the element. plastic 40.

An example of the thickness of the inner label element 60 attached to the container body 10 may be, without limitation, from about 5 µm to 50 µm.

(Plastic element 40)

Next, the Plastic Member 40 is described. The plastic member 40 is obtained by arranging the plastic member 40a to surround the outside of the inner label member 60a, and integrally biaxially stretch-blow molding the preform 10a, the label member. inner label 60a and the plastic element 40a. The plastic element 40 is not adhered but bonded to the external surface of the internal label element 60, being tightly bound so that it does not move or rotate with respect to the container body 10. The plastic element 40 is finely stretched on the external surface of the container. inner label element 60 to cover the inner label element 60. As illustrated in Figure 20, the plastic element 40 is disposed over the entire region of the container body 10 in its circumferential direction to surround the container body 10, which it has a substantially circular horizontal cross section.

The configurations of the container body 10 and the plastic member 40 in other respects are substantially similar to those of the first embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions thereof are therefore omitted.

(Composite Preform 70)

A configuration of the composite preform 70 in accordance with the present embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 21.

As illustrated in Figure 21, the composite blank 70 includes the blank 10a, which is made of a plastic material, the inner label element 60a, which is cylindrical closed at the bottom and is disposed in close contact with the outside of the label. the preform 10a, and the plastic element 40a, which is made up of a plurality of layers arranged in close contact with the outside of the internal label element 60a and is cylindrical closed at the bottom.

(Inner tag element 60a)

Inner label element 60a is brought into close contact with the outer surface of preform 10a so that it does not easily move or rotate relative to preform 10a. The inner label element 60a is disposed over the entire region of the blank 10a in its circumferential direction to surround the blank 10a, which has a substantially circular horizontal cross-section.

The inner label member 60a may be provided with a design or print in advance. For example, in addition to artwork and product name, text information can be displayed that includes the names of liquid contents, manufacturer, and raw materials. This allows images and/or letters to be displayed on the composite container 10A without the need to attach a separate label to the container body 10 after blow molding. For example, the inner label element 60a may be disposed on all or part of the trunk portion 20a of the preform 10a so that images and/or letters are displayed on the trunk portion 20 of the container body 10 after of the molding. This eliminates the need for the process of applying a label to the container using a labeler after the container is sealed, thus achieving reduction in manufacturing costs and prevention of lower production yields.

A film that can be used as said inner label member 60a may be, for example, a film made of a polyester-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, a polyaramide-based resin, a polypropylene-based resin , a polycarbonate-based resin, a polyacetal-based resin, or a fluorine-based resin. Inner label element 60a can be made of a material that is the same as, or different from, the material used for preform 10a and/or plastic element 40a.

For the inner label element 60a, various materials described below can also be used.

For example, inner label element 60a may be comprised of a material having gas barrier properties such as oxygen barrier properties or water vapor barrier properties. In this case, it becomes possible to improve the gas barrier properties of the composite container 10A, thus preventing the liquid contents from deteriorating due to oxygen and decreasing in quantity due to water vapor transpiration, without the need for use a multilayer preform or a preform containing a mixed material such as preform 10a. Examples of such materials include ^{P e ,} PP, MXD-6 and EVOH. It is also possible to mix any of these materials with an oxygen absorber such as a fatty acid salt.

The inner label element 60a may also be comprised of a material that has light barrier properties against ultraviolet and other rays. In this case, it becomes possible to improve the ray-barrier properties of the composite container 10A, thereby preventing the liquid contents from deteriorating due to ultraviolet and other rays, without the need to use a multilayer preform or a preform that contains a mixed material as the preform 10a. Examples of such materials may include a blended material, or a material obtained by adding a light-blocking resin to PET, PE, or PP.

The inner label element 60a may also be comprised of a material that has better heat or cold retention properties (ie, lower thermal conductivity material) than the plastic material included in the container body 10 (preform 10a). In this case, it becomes possible to reduce the thermal conduction of the liquid contents to the surface of the composite container 10A, without the need to increase the thickness of the container body 10 itself. As a result, the heat or cold retention properties of the composite container 10A can be improved. Examples of such materials may include foamed polyurethane, polystyrene, PE, PP, phenolic resin, polyvinyl chloride, urea resin, silicone, polyimide, and melamine resin. On the other hand, the plastic element 40a is not adhered but attached to the outer surface of the inner label element 60a, being closely attached so as not to move or rotate with respect to the preform 10a. The plastic member 40a is disposed over the entire region of the parison 10a in its circumferential direction to surround the parison 10a, which has a substantially circular horizontal cross-section.

In this example, the inner label element 60a and the plastic element 40a are arranged to cover the entire trunk portion 20a excluding the portion 13a, which corresponds to the neck portion 13 of the container body 10, and to cover the entire bottom portion. 30th

The inner label member 60a and the plastic member 40a may be disposed in all or part of the region excluding the mouth portion 11a. For example, the inner label element 60a and the plastic element 40a can be arranged to completely cover the trunk part 20a and the bottom part 30a excluding the mouth part 11a. Also, the number of inner label elements 60a and plastic elements 40a each may be two or more, in addition to one. For example, two internal tag elements 60a and two plastic elements 40a may be disposed respectively on two different portions of the outside of the trunk part 20a.

Said plastic element 40a may not have, or may have, the function of contracting with respect to the preform 10a. In the latter case, any material that has the function of shrinking with respect to the preform 10a can be used for the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a. It is preferable to use such a plastic element (shrink tube) 40a that will shrink (eg heat shrink) with respect to the preform 10a when an external effect (eg heat) is added.

The configurations of the composite container 10A and the composite preform 70 in other respects are substantially similar to those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

Next, the shapes of the plastic element 40a and/or the inner label element 60a are described.

As illustrated in Figure 22(a), the plastic element 40a (inner label element 60a) may be in a cylindrical shape closed at the bottom as a whole, having a cylindrical stem portion 41 (stem portion 61) and a lower part 42 (lower part 62) attached to the trunk part 41 (trunk part 61). In this case, the plastic element 40a (inner label element 60a), with its lower part 42 (lower part 62) covering the lower part 30a of the preform 10a, can give various functions and characteristics not only to the trunk part 20 of the composite container 10A but also to the lower part 30.

As illustrated in Figure 22(b), the plastic element 40a (inner label element 60a) can also be in the form of a circular tube (cylindrical with an open bottom) as a whole, having a cylindrical stem portion 41 (trunk part 61). In this case, as the plastic member 40a (inner label member 60a), for example, an extruded tube, can be used.

As illustrated in Figures 22(c) and 22(d), the plastic member 40a (inner label member 60a) can be made by gluing both ends of a film formed into a cylindrical shape. In this case, the plastic member 40a can be formed to be tubular (cylindrical with the bottom open) having the trunk part 41 (trunk part 61) as illustrated in Figure 22(c), or it can be formed to be cylindrical with the bottom closed by gluing bottom 42 (bottom 62) as illustrated in Figure 22(d).

(Procedure for producing a 10A composite container)

A method for producing (blow molding) the composite container 10A according to the present embodiment will now be described with reference to Figs. 23(a) to 23(f).

First, a preform 10a made of a plastic material is prepared (see Fig. 23(a)).

Next, the inner label element 60a is placed on the outside of the preform 10a, and the plastic element 40a, which is composed of a plurality of layers and at least one of the layers is a colored layer, is placed on the outside. of the inner tag element 60a. Consequently, composite preform 70 is produced which includes preform 10a, inner label member 60a in close contact with the outer surface of preform 10a, and plastic member 40a in close contact with the outside of inner label member 60a. (see Figure 23(b)). In this example, the inner label element 60a is in a cylindrical shape closed at the bottom as a whole, having a cylindrical stem portion 61 and a lower portion 62 joined to the stem portion 61.

At this stage, the inner label element 60a and the plastic element 40a, which have inner diameters equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the blank 10a, can be brought into close contact with the outer surface of the blank 10a by pressing the element of internal label 60a and plastic element 40a respectively in the preform 10a. Alternatively, the inner label element 60a and the plastic element 40a which are heat shrinkable may be provided on the outer surface of the preform 10a, and then the inner label element 60a and the plastic element 40a may be heated up to 50°C to 100°C. °C to cause them to heat shrink to be in close contact with the outer surface of the preform 10a.

The plastic member 40a can also be arranged around the inner label member 60a in advance, and then the inner label member 60a with the plastic member 40a can be integrally bonded on the outside of the preform 10a. Alternatively, inner label member 60a may be disposed on the outside of preform 10a, and then plastic member 40a may be provided on the outside of inner label member 60a.

In this way, the composite blank 70 is made in advance by bringing the plastic element 40a into close contact with the outside of the blank 10a and the internal label element 60a. Thus, it becomes possible to carry out the series of procedures for making the composite preform 70 (Figures 23(a) and 23(b)) at a location (for example, a factory) different from the location (for example, a factory). factory) where the series of procedures for making the composite container 10A by means of blow molding are carried out (Figs. 23(c) to 23(f)).

Next, the composite preform 70 is heated by a heating apparatus 51 (see Fig. 23(c)).

Subsequently, the composite preform 70, which has been heated by the heating apparatus 51, is fed into a blow molding mold 50. The blow molding mold 50 is used to mold the composite container 10A, which includes the container body 10, the inner label element 60 disposed on the outer surface of the container body 10, and the plastic element 40 disposed on the outside of the inner label element 60, in a manner substantially similar to that in the first embodiment above described (see Figures 23(d) to 23(f)).

The method for producing the composite container 10A (the blow molding method) in other aspects according to the present embodiment is substantially similar to that in the first embodiment described above, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

(Variation of the procedure to produce a 10A composite container)

A variation of the process for producing the composite container 10A (the blow molding process) in accordance with the present embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 24(a) to 24(f). The variation illustrated in Figures 24(a) to 24(f) represents that the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a has the function of contracting with respect to the preform 10a. The configuration in other respects is substantially the same as that of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 23(a) to 23(f). Items in Figures 24(a) to 24(f) identical to those in Figures 23(a) to 23(f) are given identical reference signs and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

First, a preform 10a made of a plastic material is prepared (see Fig. 24(a)).

Next, the inner label element 60a is disposed on the outside of the preform 10a, and the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a is disposed on the outside of the inner label element 60 (see Fig. 24(b)). The inner label element 60 and the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a are joined to cover the entire trunk portion 20a excluding the portion corresponding to the neck portion 13 of the container body 10 and cover the entire bottom portion 30a. At least part of the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a may be translucent or transparent. In this case, the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a can be arranged around the inner label member 60a in advance, and then the inner label member 60a with the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a can be integrally attached on the outside of the preform 10a. Alternatively, the inner label element 60a can be disposed on the outside of the preform 10a, and then the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a can be disposed on the outside of the inner label element 60.

Subsequently, the preform 10a, the inner label member 60a, and the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a are heated by a heating apparatus 51 (see Fig. 24(c)). At this stage, the preform 10a, the inner label member 60a and the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a, while rotating with the mouth portion 11a facing downward, are heated by the heating apparatus 51 uniformly in the circumferential direction. The heating temperature for the preform 10a, the inner label element 60a, and the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a in this heating procedure can be set from 90°C to 130°C, for example.

In this way, the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a is heated to shrink (heat shrink), resulting in close contact with the outside of the preform 10a (see Figure 24(c)). In the case where the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a is shrinkable itself, the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a can be in close contact with the outside of the inner label member 60a immediately when it is disposed on the outside of the label member. inner label 60a (see Figure 24(b)).

Subsequently, the preform 10a, the inner label member 60a and the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a, which have been heated by the heating apparatus 51, are fed into a blow molding mold 50 (see Figure 24(d). )).

Blow molding mold 50 is used to mold preform 10a, inner label element 60a, and plastic element (shrink tube) 40a, producing composite container 10A, which includes container body 10, label element internal label element 60 disposed on the outside of the container body 10, and the plastic element (shrink tube) 40 disposed on the outside of the internal label element 60, in a manner substantially similar to that illustrated in Figures 23(a) to 23( f) (see Figures 24(d) to 24(f)).

(Another variation of the procedure to produce a 10A composite container)

Another variation of the process for producing the composite container 10A (the blow molding process) in accordance with the present embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 25(a) to 25(g). The variation illustrated in Figures 25(a) to 25(g) represents that the plastic element 40a has the function of shrinking with respect to the preform 10a, and the preform 10a and the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a are heated in two stages. The configuration in other respects is substantially the same as that of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 23(a) to 23(f). Items in Figures 25(a) to 25(g) identical to those in Figures 23(a) to 23(f) are given identical reference signs and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

First, a preform 10a made of a plastic material is prepared (see Fig. 25(a)).

Next, the inner label member 60a is disposed on the outside of the blank 10a, and the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a is disposed on the outside of the inner label member 60 (see Figure 25(b)). The plastic element (shrink tube) 40a is attached to cover the entire trunk part 20a excluding the part corresponding to the neck part 13 of the container body 10 and cover the entire bottom part 30a. At least part of the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a may be translucent or transparent.

In this case, the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a can be arranged around the inner label member 60a in advance, and then the inner label member 60a with the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a can be integrally attached on the outside of the preform 10a. Alternatively, the inner label element 60a can be disposed on the outside of the preform 10a, and then the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a can be disposed on the outside of the inner label element 60.

Subsequently, the preform 10a, the inner label member 60a and the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a are heated by a first heating apparatus 55 (see Fig. 25(c)). The heating temperature for the preform 10a, the inner label member 60a, and the plastic member (shrink tube) 40a at this stage can be set from 50°C to 100°C, for example.

The plastic element (shrink tube) 40a is heated to shrink (heat shrink), resulting in close contact with the outside of the preform 10a. Consequently, the composite preform 70 is obtained which includes the preform 10a, the inner label element 60a in close contact with the outside of the preform 10a, and the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a in close contact with the outside of the label element. inner label 60a (see Figure 25(c)).

In this way, the composite preform 70 is made in advance by using the first heating apparatus 55 to heat the plastic member 40a (shrink tube) by bringing it into close contact with the outside of the preform 10a and the inner label member 60a. Thus, it becomes possible to carry out the series of procedures for making the composite preform 70 (Figs. 25(a) to 25(c)) at a place (for example, a factory) different from the place (for example, a factory). factory) where the series of procedures for making the composite container 10A by means of blow molding are carried out (Figs. 25(d) to 25(g)).

Subsequently, the composite preform 70 is heated by a second heating apparatus 51 (see Figure 25(d)). At this stage, the composite preform 70, while rotating with the mouth portion 11a facing downward, is heated by the second heating apparatus 51 uniformly in the circumferential direction. The heating temperature for the preform 10a, the inner label element 60a, and the plastic element (shrink tube) 40a in this heating procedure can be set from 90°C to 130°C, for example. Subsequently, the composite preform 70, which has been heated by the second heating apparatus 51, is fed into a blow molding mold 50 (see Fig. 25(e)).

Blow molding mold 50 is used to mold composite preform 70, producing composite container 10A, which includes container body 10, inner label element 60 disposed on the exterior of container body 10, and the plastic element (shrink tube) 40 disposed on the outside of the inner label element 60, in a manner substantially similar to that illustrated in Figures 23(a) to 23(f) (see Figures 25(e) to 25(g). )).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the composite container 10A, which includes the container body 10, the inner label element 60, and the plastic element 40, is made by integrally inflating the preform 10a, the label element inner label 60a, and the plastic member 40a of the composite preform 70 through blow molding made to the composite preform 70 in the blow molding mold 50. Thus, the inner label member 60 can be disposed on the container of composite 10A in advance, and subsequently the preform 10a is used to produce the composite container 10A. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide the method of applying a label to the container using a labeler after the composite container 10A is filled with liquid contents and sealed. Therefore, manufacturing costs for producing finished products can be reduced.

In addition, lower production yields in the manufacture of finished products due to, for example, a defect in the labeler can be avoided.

According to the present embodiment, the preform 10a (container body 10) and the plastic member 40a (plastic member 40) can be formed of different elements. Therefore, various functions and features can be given to the composite container 10A in a flexible manner by selecting an appropriate type and shape of the plastic element 40.

Furthermore, the present embodiment eliminates the need to prepare a new molding apparatus for making the composite container 10A, because the composite container 10A can be made using general blow molding equipment without adding changes.

Variation of the second realization

A variation of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 26, 27 and 28(a) to 28(f).

According to the variation illustrated in Figures 26, 27 and 28(a) to 28(f), an inner tag element 60a and a plastic element 40a, both in a cylindrical shape, are used instead of the inner tag element 60a. and the plastic element 40a, both having the trunk part and the lower part.

In the composite container 10A illustrated in Figure 26, the inner label element 60 and the plastic element 40 extend from the shoulder portion 12 to the bottom of the trunk portion 20 of the container body 10, but do not reach the lower part 30. Furthermore, in the composite preform 70 illustrated in Figure 27, the inner label element 60a and the plastic element 40a are brought into close contact with the preform 10a so as to cover only the trunk portion 20a of the preform. 10th More specifically, the inner label element 60a and the plastic element 40a cover the trunk part 20a excluding its lower part and the part 13a corresponding to the neck part 13 of the container body 10.

The configuration in other respects in Figures 26, 27 and 28(a) to 28(f) is substantially the same as that of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 19 to 25. The elements in the variation illustrated in Figures 26, 27 and 28(a) to 28(f) identical to those in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 19 to 25 are given identical reference signs and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

The configuration and production method of the composite container 10A and the configuration and production method of the composite preform 70 are substantially similar to those of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 19 to 25, and therefore detailed descriptions are omitted. thereof. With reference to Figures 26, 27 and 28(a) to 28(f), the plastic element 40 having the function of contracting with respect to the preform 10a can be used.

Claims (1)

A method of producing a composite container (10A), the method comprising the steps of: preparing a preform (10a) made of a plastic material; arranging a plastic element (40a) on the outside of the preform (10a) to surround the outside of the preform (10a), the plastic element (40a) having a colored layer and a printing region (44a), i.e. a print layer having a print-making region disposed on a surface of the plastic member (40a) in advance; heating the preform (10a) and the plastic member (40a) by means of a first heating apparatus (55) to make a composite preform (70), in which the plastic member (40a) is heated to thermally shrink, resulting in a close contact of the plastic element (40a) with the outside of the preform (10a); heating the composite preform (70) by a second heating apparatus (51) and feeding the composite preform (70), which has been heated by the second heating apparatus (51), to a blow molding mold (50). ); and integrally inflating the preform (10a) and the plastic element (40a) of the composite preform (70) by blow molding the preform (10a) and the plastic element (40a) of the composite preform (70) in the mold blow molding (50) for making the composite container (10A), wherein the series of procedures for making the composite preform (70) is carried out at a first place different from a second place where it is carried out carry out the series of procedures for making the composite container 10A by means of blow molding; wherein the plastic member (40a) is a blow tube, an extruded tube or an inflation molded tube and has a cylindrical stem portion (41). The method of producing a composite container (10A) according to claim 1, wherein the print region (44a) is formed by an ink jet method